Word Origin & History

c.1400, from Latin benedictionem (nominative benedictio), noun of action from bene dicere "to speak well of, bless," from bene "well" (see bene-) + dicere "to speak" (see diction). The oldest sense in English is of grace before meat. The older French form, beneiçon passed into Middle English as benison.

Example Sentences for benediction

After the benediction came one of the saddest moments of the day.

Then I escaped before the blessing, desiring no benediction at such hands.

The signal was then given to us, and we all knelt to receive the benediction of Monseigneur.

And, with additions, the nephew repeated the benediction of the uncle.

To some of the services—to Benediction for instance—the public is not admitted.

A benediction spread over us with the farewell of the evening.

"Don't seem to me time for the benediction yet, Phineas," he said.

We did not go next day to Benediction at the Reverend Mother's church.

At length the sermon was finished and the benediction pronounced.

The moon touched her golden hair and her pure face like a benediction.